FlatironDragados Helps Deliver Gordie Howe International Bridge Between U.S. and Canada

Highlights

• FlatironDragados and ACS Infrastructure have completed the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge.
• The project was delivered by the Bridging North America consortium under a design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) agreement.
• The crossing links Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, strengthening a key North American trade corridor.
• The project includes the international bridge, ports of entry, the Michigan Interchange and related roadway infrastructure.
• The consortium will operate and maintain the bridge and ports of entry for 30 years.

A major transportation infrastructure project has entered service along one of North America's busiest trade routes, adding new cross-border capacity for freight and passenger traffic. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to strengthen supply chain resilience while improving connectivity between the United States and Canada.

Cross-Border Infrastructure Reaches Completion

The Bridging North America (BNA) consortium has completed the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which officially opened on July 27 after approximately eight years of construction.

The consortium includes ACS Infrastructure (IRIDIUM), Fluor and Aecon, while FlatironDragados served as the lead construction contractor. The project was delivered under a $6.4 billion design-build-finance-operate-maintain agreement with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA).

The cable-stayed bridge spans approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) across the Detroit River between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. Its 0.75-kilometre (0.5-mile) main span is the longest of its kind in North America.

Project Scope Extends Beyond the Bridge

In addition to constructing the international crossing, the project included development of the Canadian and U.S. ports of entry, the Michigan Interchange with connections to Interstate 75, two roadway bridges, five pedestrian bridges and associated roadway improvements.

The Canadian port of entry also connects directly to the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway, creating an integrated transportation corridor linking the two countries.

Under the concession agreement, the BNA consortium will operate and maintain both the bridge and the ports of entry for the next 30 years.

Why It Matters

For construction owners, transportation agencies and infrastructure developers, the Gordie Howe International Bridge demonstrates the continued use of public-private partnership delivery for large-scale transportation assets. The project combines long-term financing, construction and asset management responsibilities within a single procurement model while expanding capacity along one of North America's most important international trade corridors.

Source: Flatiron Dragados.